Koei Wiki
Koei Wiki
Koei Tecmo Wiki
4,191
pages
in: Games

Dynasty Warriors 8

Sign in to edit

Dynasty Warriors 8 (真・三國無双7, Shin Sangoku Musou 7) is the eighth main installment of the Dynasty Warriors series. It is based on the seventh title's system and visuals. According to the producer, this game's motif is to be "the ultimate one-man army" in a way which has never before been seen in the series.

Atsushi Miyauchi, the director, says that the team used a new game engine for this title which utilizes deferred lighting and required all of the character models to be remade from scratch. He believes the multiple lighting system adds a realistic touch which is fitting for the game's genre and closer-to-history story. Both developers stated that if the game's presentation reached their personal standards of perfection, it would be used for future titles. Kenji Tanigaki is the opening movie director.

First print incentives include Sangokushi 12 costumes for Zhao Yun and Sun Shangxiang. The game's pre-order bonuses were smartphone pouches designed after characters from the Three Kingdoms and Jin. The Treasure Box edition of the game included an original soundtrack, a 3D crystal file, and an illustration book. GAMECITY shoppers could obtain an original miniature notepad with their purchase.

The disc version of the game includes an install data option that requires 11GB worth of space. The downloadable version from PSN temporarily needs 38GB for the initial download but only 19GB to permanently store. Westerners have the option of purchasing a PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 port.

A VR demo for this game was planned. An expansion, titled Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends in the West and Shin Sangoku Musou 7: Moushouden in Asia, was later released for the same platforms as the base game.

An updated version of the game with Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends included was later released for Playstation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, titled Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends: Complete Edition in the West and Shin Sangoku Musou 7 with Moushouden in Asia. This version features enhanced visuals, improved performance, and all base game and Xtreme Legends content seamlessly integrated together. This version was later released again on Nintendo Switch, titled Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends: Definitive Edition in the West and Shin Sangoku Musou 7 with Moushouden DX in Asia, and differed from the previous release in that almost all of the DLC for Dynasty Warriors 8 and Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends, save for only a few Japan-only limited-time collab costumes, was included at no extra cost. Definitive was later also released for PC, only via the Windows Store.

Gameplay[]

  • The dual weapon system from Dynasty Warriors 7 returns with various tweaks.
    • Equipped weapons can no longer be changed mid-battle.
  • Heaven-Man-Earth weapon affinities are added. Switch counter attacks can be performed by switching weapons when an enemy officer of a superior affinity prepares to use a charge attack or weapon switch of their own. These counter attacks will temporarily increase the player's attack and defense as well.
    • Enemy officers of an inferior affinity will have a Spirit Gauge displayed above them, that depletes when they are attacked by the player. Fully depleting it allows a multi-hitting Storm Rush attack to be performed.
  • Character growth uses a leveling system reminiscent to the Warriors Orochi series. Characters level up to learn skills, and experience can be stored and used for untouched characters.
    • Movement speed can no longer be modified by stats enhancements outside of the battlefield item.
  • All characters now have three Musou Attacks: Circle, R1 + Circle, and X + Circle (aerial). They are also given three Musou bars in stock after gaining enough levels.
    • Musou Attacks do not knock back allies as in the previous title.
  • Rage returns, similar to Dynasty Warriors 5. A character's rage gauge fills when dealing damage and can be used when full by pressing R3, which slowly expends it. Attack, defense, attack speed, and attack range are increased, and characters won't flinch from attacks. The musou gauge is fully restored and a unique Rage Attack can be used in place of a musou attack. Dealing a certain amount of damage with the Rage Attack upgrades it to a True Rage Attack.
  • The chain counter from Dynasty Warriors 6 returns, once again replacing the traditional combo counter.
    • Musou Attacks, unlike in Warriors Orochi 3, no longer generate/maintain combo count between the freeze caused from the execution towards the actual attack, along with the combo counter retention overall being less lax, but not as strict as in Dynasty Warriors 7.
  • Jump charge attacks are readded.
  • Pressing L1 to somersault right before hitting the ground will cause the character to slide backwards.
  • When calling a horse with L2, holding it down allows players to call and mount their current horse automatically. Each story stage offers a different type of horse that can be called upon. However, some characters may summon special steeds (such as Red Hare) at certain points in the game. If a specific mount is equipped in other modes, their stats will be transferred to the player's own steed in Story Mode.
    • Mounts have better handling compared to the prior titles, with far less turn rate for easier steering. Horses in particular also lean towards the side when doing so.
  • Stage timers and the morale gauge are reintroduced.
    • The soundbite for very negative battle messages is no longer used.
  • Stun physics are reverted back to prior titles, with stunned targets being forced into a juggled state upon getting hit instead of suffering attacks normally via grounded state.
  • Battle one-liners and dynamic pitch from the previous title are removed.
  • Story outlines and camp segments no longer feature English dubbing.
  • The game supports an online ranking feature which shows the total K.O. count players have racked up while playing the game. The ranking system lists from 1 through 100.
  • Downloadable content includes costumes, weapons, weapon skins, and new areas for Ambition Mode; DLC from Dynasty Warriors 7 and its Xtreme Legends expansion is not compatible with this title.

Modes[]

Story Mode[]

Same general presentation as Dynasty Warriors 7 with Dynasty Warriors 4 features.

Free Mode[]

Returns from previous titles.

Ambition Mode[]

Players are tasked with raising the Tongquetai Palace, a safe haven for peasants. The overall goal is to increase the tower's popularity so that even the emperor will visit. To fund the tower's construction and status, players need to fight in various battles; defeating enemy officers allows them to be recruited as a partner.

Players start out with the weapon shop as their sole base facility. More can be added or expanded upon as the town gradually becomes populated with people. These include a food market, a trade shop, a menagerie, etc.

Battles are divided into four categories: Skirmishes, Unconventional Battles, Great Battles, and Mock Battles.

  • Skirmishes grant materials.
  • Unconventional Battles help increase fame.
  • Great Battles tend to reward players with new recruitable partners.
  • Mock Battles allow the player to face off against allies, though they will not drop any materials or weapons. Tongquetai Palace must be completely constructed first in order to unlock this type of battle.

Characters[]

Zuo Ci returns. Newcomers are bolded. Xu Shu reuses his design from Dynasty Warriors 7: Empires.

Wei Wu Shu Jin Other
Xiahou Dun
Dian Wei
Zhang Liao
Cao Cao
Xu Zhu
Xiahou Yuan
Xu Huang
Zhang He
Cao Ren
Cao Pi
Zhenji
Pang De
Cai Wenji
Jia Xu
Wang Yi
Guo Jia
Yue Jin
Li Dian		 Zhou Yu
Lu Xun
Sun Shangxiang
Gan Ning
Sun Jian
Taishi Ci
Lu Meng
Huang Gai
Zhou Tai
Ling Tong
Sun Ce
Sun Quan
Xiaoqiao
Daqiao
Ding Feng
Lianshi
Lu Su
Han Dang		 Zhao Yun
Guan Yu
Zhang Fei
Zhuge Liang
Liu Bei
Ma Chao
Huang Zhong
Wei Yan
Guan Ping
Pang Tong
Yueying
Jiang Wei
Xingcai
Liu Shan
Ma Dai
Guan Suo
Bao Sanniang
Xu Shu
Zhang Bao
Guan Xing
Guan Yinping		 Sima Yi
Sima Shi
Sima Zhao
Deng Ai
Wang Yuanji
Zhong Hui
Zhuge Dan
Xiahou Ba
Guo Huai
Jia Chong
Zhang Chunhua
Wen Yang		 Diaochan
Lu Bu
Dong Zhuo
Yuan Shao
Zhang Jiao
Meng Huo
Zhurong
Zuo Ci

Trophies[]

Icon Name Unlock Method Type Xbox Points
True Warrior of the 3 Kingdoms Obtain all other trophies. Platinum 100
Master of Chaos Cleared all scenarios under Chaos difficulty setting. Gold 60
Unwavering Ambition Win 50 consecutive battles in Ambition Mode. Gold 60
Weapon Collector Raise weapon collection rate to 100%. Silver 30
Heaven and Earth Complete the Tongquetai for the emperor's visit. Silver 30
A Shout of Triumph Clear all scenarios in Story and Free Mode except for the tutorial segments. Silver 30
The Land of Plenty The sum of weapons and materials gained in Ambition Mode reaches or exceeds 1,000. Silver 30
The Ties that Bind Us Recruit all characters in Ambition Mode. Silver 30
The Height of Prosperity Build all facilities in Ambition Mode. Silver 30
A Majestic Manner Maximize fame in Ambition Mode. Silver 30
A Collector of Rarities Win all base symbols. Silver 30
Battle-hardened Veteran Win 100 battles with one character. Silver 30
Army of Hundreds Defeat a total of more than 100,000 enemies. Silver 30
The Path of Ambition Win 20 consecutive battles in Ambition Mode. Silver 30
An Intricate Tale Clear all scenarios in Story Mode. Silver 30
Revelation Acquire more than 10 levels of every skill. Silver 30
Legend of Wei Watch Wei's historical and hypothetical endings. Silver 30
Legend of Wu Watch Wu's historical and hypothetical endings. Silver 30
Legend of Shu Watch Shu's historical and hypothetical endings. Silver 30
Legend of Jin Watch Jin's historical and hypothetical endings. Silver 30
Friends to the End Maximize a bond with one character. Silver 30
The Destroyer Destroy a total of more than 1,000 siege weapons. Silver 30
Other Legends Clear all scenarios of Others faction. Silver 30
Facility Construction Construct a new facility in Ambition Mode. Bronze 10
Facility Expansion Expand a new facility in Ambition Mode. Bronze 10
The Birth of a Leader Win 5 consecutive battles in Ambition Mode. Bronze 10
Death from Above Juggle enemy into the air for more than 10 seconds. Bronze 10
True Rage Trigger a True Awakening Musou for the first time. Bronze 10
In an Instant Defeat three officers with a single storm rush. Bronze 10
Comeback Kid Defeat three officers with a single switch counter. Bronze 10
King of the Combos Perform a chain of 1,000 hits. Bronze 10
One Warrior vs A Thousand Defeat 1,000 enemies in one battle. Bronze 10
Graduation Day Clear tutorial segment for all factions. Bronze 10
Mounted Terror Defeat more than 1,000 enemies while riding on a mount. Bronze 10
The Beastmaster Awakens Defeat more than 100 enemies with the aid of a guardian animal. Bronze 10
Vocal Enthusiast Unlock all character voice lines in the gallery. Bronze 10
Animal Collector Raise guardian animal collection rate to 100%. Bronze 10
Movie Collector Raise movie collection rate to 100%. Bronze 10
Event Collector Raise event scene collection rate to 100%. Bronze 10
Wallpaper Collector Raise wallpaper collection rate to 100%. Bronze 10
Like a Shadow Win a battle without losing health. Applies to any scenario except for the tutorial segments. Bronze 10


Expansions/Spin-Offs[]

Related Media[]

Consumers in Japan could attend various store front meetings to play the game's trial version in mid-January until the game's release date. Attendees could listen to producer commentary and obtain two clear files.

This game had various collaborations in Japan aside from the ones listed on the downloadable content page. One of the largest ones aside from the pre-order costumes and Lawson ones were the two month campaigns with ekupo. Ekupo outlets planned to have character menus, characters cards, and other merchandise and savings for purchasers. Karaoke no Tetsujin allowed consumers to rent Three Kingdoms themed rooms which vary on their location. Each room provided a special character menu and coasters for buyers.

Famitsu conducted two online character surveys for this title. The first concerned characters who appeared in this game. Fans could input three characters each for the following questions:

  1. Who do you want as a brother/sister?
  2. Who do you want to befriend?
  3. Which character would you prefer as your boss?
  4. Who would be your boyfriend?
  5. Who would be your girlfriend?

The second survey asked fans to name three figures they would like to appear as playable characters. Each question provided the choice for written opinions from fans. Both polls ended on White Day (March 14). Random participants won clear files or a calendar for their entry. PlayStation 3 custom themes were made based on the results of the first poll. Chen Gong was the most wanted playable character.

Character visuals from this game appeared in the Power Up Kit version of Sangokushi 12. These alternate character portraits are available on its limited edition bonus edit character CD.

A voice actor event using this game's visuals and characters took place in Tokyo on March 3, 2013. The event's title is Shin Sangoku Musou Seiyuu Ranbu 2013 Spring. An event specific CD could be purchased by attendees, and a DVD recording could be purchased on July 10, 2013. Four character song CDs was released on March 27, 2013. They were dedicated to Wei, Wu, Shu, and Jin.

Similar to the Samurai Warriors pillow case covers, pillow case covers for Wang Yuanji, Lu Xun, and Cao Pi were available. The character databook was scheduled for a March release. The two guidebooks have information about the game's weapons and character profiles. iPhone cases featuring one character from each of the four main factions were released by Dezaegg on April 26, 2013.

Resort Hotel Tateshima hosted a special event where fans could purchase Dynasty Warriors merchandise and meet the voice actors of the series. There was also a drinking party and an art exhibit with over 250 different artworks. As a bonus, the first hundred visitors would be given body pillows of the three aforementioned characters.

Tecmo-Koei posted two online surveys for American and European fans to provide input on Dynasty Warriors 8. Players could provide personal opinions on who their new favorite character is, their thoughts on the soundtrack, as well as the stage designs.

A 1/8 scale Wang Yuanji figurine created by AMAKUNI was presented at the 2014 Summer Wonder Festival Hoppy Japan booth. It was a limited edition figure once it went on sale. Halloween patches could be purchased at the October 21~November 3, 2014 at the Marui One Family Mizoguchi Koei-Tecmo Goods Fair.

Image Songs[]

Performed by HOTEI
Performed by Yo Hitoto

*First song is used in promotional videos, commercials, and the game's historical ending credits. (Unless you're playing the Switch Version.) The second plays during the game's hypothetical ending credits.

See Also[]

Gallery[]

Allusions[]

  • Guan Yu and Lu Bu's appearances in this game later became their alternate models in the 2013 re-release of Dynasty Tactics.

External Links[]

Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms